News Brief
Arun Kumar Das
Sep 20, 2021, 10:17 AM | Updated 10:17 AM IST
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In a boost to the Make-in-India and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives, Alstom has completed handover of the indigenously built first trainset for the Kanpur metro, to Uttar Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation (UPMRC).
Expected to benefit lakhs of commuters for hassle-free movement in Kanpur, these metro trains are being 100 per cent indigenously manufactured in Savli, Gujarat.
The unveiling was done at Alstom's rolling stock manufacturing facility in Savli by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath in the presence of UPMRC MD Kumar Keshav and Alstom MD Alain Spohr.
Alstom completed the acquisition of Bombardier Transportation (BT) on January 29, 2021 and going forward, Alstom will be responsible for the delivery of Kanpur and Agra metro rolling stock and signalling, including scope of all BT technologies.
Valued at approximately Rs 2,051 crore, Alstom’s scope on the Agra-
Kanpur metro project includes — design, build and delivery of 201 metro cars and an advanced signalling solution. The customer also has a provision to exercise an option for an additional 51 metro cars.
The new metro trains will benefit about 50 lakh citizens of both the cities in Agra and Kanpur.
Additionally, the overall project will significantly contribute towards the socio-economic development of the region.
“We are proud to deliver the first metro trains for Kanpur Metro in record time. After successfully delivering rolling stock and signalling solutions for the state’s capital Lucknow, we are happy to strengthen this partnership with UPMRC and redefine the mobility needs of Kanpur and Agra,” said Spohr.
“Our metros are world renowned for their operational reliability, appealing design and enhanced safety features — everything that makes metro an attractive mode of transport,” Alstom MD added.
“As I virtually unveil the first metro train for Kanpur, I would like to congratulate Alstom and UPMRC for the fast paced execution of the ongoing metro project”, said Adityanath.
“In addition to Kanpur and Agra, we are looking forward to bringing advanced metro service for enhanced public transportation in cities like Gorakhpur, Varanasi, Prayagraj, Jhansi and Meerut, and improving connectivity in the near future”, the UP Chief Minister added.
Speaking at the unveiling ceremony, UPMRC MD Kumar Keshav said, “It is a proud moment for Alstom, which is indigenously manufacturing the rolling stock for some of the most prestigious metro projects in the country. With an illustrious track record of successfully delivering the trains for Lucknow metro in record time, we are happy to have Alstom as our partner in this journey towards transforming the face of urban mobility in Uttar Pradesh. These world-class train sets for Kanpur and Agra will breathe life into the metro project."
He further said, "We are looking forward to the speedy execution of this project and catering to the transport infrastructure needs in growing cities.”
Inspiration from Uttar Pradesh’s rich cultural heritage combined with best-in-class design has resulted in an attractive look for India’s latest metro fleet.
Aerodynamic modular design of the new metros will offer a host of safety, security and environmental benefits along with great passenger experience. Built with stainless-steel car bodies, the air-conditioned cars will have automated sliding doors, comfortable seating and standing
spaces, dedicated areas for entry of specially abled, who use wheelchairs and modern passenger information systems, combining to provide an accessible and welcoming environment for passengers.
The trains will be equipped with Flexx metro bogies and Mitrac propulsion system to increase energy efficiency, reduce operating costs, and ensure the new trains meet the highest environmental standards.
Each train will accommodate approximately 960 passengers in the three-car configuration.
Arun Kumar Das is a senior journalist covering railways. He can be contacted at akdas2005@gmail.com.